Uke Can Duet
Ed Bowden served as chair of the Pictou County West and Central/East Pictou Community Health Boards, and was also an exemplary musician, philanthropist and prolifically active man in Pictou County.
Bowden had many integral roles in the community — to honour the legacy he created in his fostering of wellness, the board acknowledges the many community groups that contribute to the wellness of its citizens, in the same way, every year.
This year’s winner of the Ed Bowden Community Wellness Award was announced, last Thursday in Merigomish to a full house of guests and supporters: the Ponds Conservatory’s musical group, Uke Can Duet.
Uke Can Duet, a whimsically named ukulele club that offers lessons and practice to people of all ages and levels of expertise with the instrument, won the award this year, to the sounds of applause form a full house at the Merigomish School House Community Centre.
The winning group actually showcased its own impressive talent at the beginning of the night with a musical performance of several songs for guests, showing that their members very much “can do it,” as their name suggests.
“It’s wonderful. Ed Bowden was a wonderful musician,” said Vickie MacDonald, a member of the group. “As we sang in one of our songs, ‘music alone shall live, never to die.’ It’s great to be part of a group that crosses all barriers, such as age, with young and older members. Music is a gift that can encompass everyone. It’s always a fun way to laugh and learn.”
Vickie MacDonald, a member of Uke Can Duet, said the project was initiated to “provide an opportunity for local residents to come together to create, learn and receive joy from the experience of making music.”
“Our director, Marilyn MacDonald, believes music has the power to move us at any stage in life and the sharing of this music-making in our community enriches the lives of all,” wrote MacDonald in an email to The News.
MacDonald wrote that it was an honour to receive recognition from the Bowden family, who are known for their “rich history of giving back to the community.”
MacDonald and a fellow Ukulele player, Faith Lees, accepted the award on behalf of their group from the brother of Ed Bowden, Brian Bowden.
“Truly I am taken back by the unique name of the group,” said Bowden, representing the Bowen family. He expressed admiration for the inclusiveness and positivity of the seven-week project, which encourages new members all the time.
“As you know, my brother Ed was very well into fitness and
working out — and doing all that — but he also had a musical side. He loved to sing, and loved to play instruments. He would be thrilled today to be part of this celebration of presenting the award to the Ponds Conservatory’s project.”
Ed Bowden was instrumental in the formation of health authority’s first community health plan, and was a member of the board of directors of the Pictou County Health Authority until his death.